Among the African American community in Leigh, the Reverend James H. Patterson, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church from 1873-1889, encouraged his congregation to buy land, build homes and fund schools and other community enrichment. Several decades later, Leigh Community Center and Health Unit was founded as a continuation of that same idea. As early as 1936, a group of residents led by Antioch school principal Uriel Rosborough Weisner (1891-1979) suggested establishing a community center and health unit. During World War II, Antioch leaders and residents from nearby black school communities, including those of Annie Glade, Carver, High Ridge, Lake Chapel, Pleasant Hill and Smithsonia, furthered plans by the original group. The Leigh Community Center and Health Unit was established on May 13, 1943. U. R. Weisner served as the first director. After World War II ended, the group purchased a building formerly owned by Longhorn Ordnance Works and moved it to Leigh. The community pitched in to update the building. The front of the building provided community space, and the back was devoted to health center operations. The building was dedicated in May 1947. Doctors came at regular intervals to provide immunizations, prenatal and pediatric care, tuberculosis screening, and health classes. Later, Red Cross instruction and dental services were offered. The center sponsored Christmas community outreaches, leadership conferences and annual fairs. Most significantly, in the 1950s after the health unit found contamination in area well water, they identified uncontaminated water sources and eventually assisted in the creation of the Leigh Water Supply Corporation. The organization’s work continues to benefit the Leigh community. (2022)